July 2012: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) has released a publication titled “A Dozen Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies,” which describes recent projects and focuses on successful experiences in promoting renewable energy in Nepal.

The publication reports on a dozen GEF SGP projects implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) relating to renewable energy technologies, including improved cook stoves, bio-briquettes, biogas plants, and improved kilns and distillation units. The overall goals of these projects are to promote renewable energy technology, improve health and hygiene, reduce mortality, protect forests, and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The improved cook stove projects work towards such goals through burning agricultural residue as fuel and creating energy from waste, among other environmental advantages. The biogas plant projects work to produce biofuel from the breakdown of organic matter as a means to harness energy in an environmentally friendly manner. Finally, the projects that involve improving kilns and distillation units create more efficient charcoal and cardamom production. [Publication: A Dozen Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies]